agile

adjective

ag·​ile ˈa-jəl  -ˌjī(-ə)l 

1

: marked by ready ability to move with quick easy grace

an agile dancer

2

: having a quick resourceful and adaptable character

an agile mind

agilely

ˈa-jə(l)-lē 

-ˌjī(-ə)(l)-lē

adverb

Synonyms of agile

• graceful

Examples of agile in a Sentence

Leopards are very fast and agile.

the expressive movements of agile dancers

Recent Examples on the Web

Designed for integration on small, agile drones, the BRAKER munition combines kinetic penetration with an internal explosive effect. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026

Heady and agile, Simpson recalls former NFL quarterback Brian Hoyer, who started for eight NFL franchises but was mostly a very good backup. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

In addition to National Geographic Islander II, Gemini is now the second mid-sized agile ship in Lindblad’s fleet operating in the remote Galápagos archipelago, in addition to the line's new 16-passenger luxury catamaran, National Geographic Delphina. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

With the right story hook, gameplay overhaul, and look, a team of anthropomorphic animals taking on galactic evildoers with agile spaceships in a fun and colorful sci-fi setting feels like an easy win — especially for a company like Nintendo. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin agilis, from agere "to drive, be in motion, do, perform" + -ilis -ile entry 1 — more at agent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for agile

• fragile

Kids Definition

agile

adjective

ag·​ile ˈaj-əl  -ˌīl 

1

: able to move quickly and easily : nimble

an agile gymnast

2

: mentally quick

an agile thinker

agilely

-ə(l)-lē 

-ˌī(l)-lē

adverb

agility

ə-ˈjil-ət-ē

noun

Etymology

Latin agilis "nimble, agile," from agere "to drive, act, do" — related to act, agent